It's Friday, Y'all (Link up) + TOM'S SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Friday!! I'm linking up with the girls for another 5 on Friday, and this week's post is themed "Holiday Cheer"

DON'T FORGET TO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR AN IMPT SALE!!!

~ONE~

While the hubs and I were in Charlotte last weekend, I snagged these adorable Christmas plates for the kids. I know they will love them as much as I do. I sure wish we had a PBK store locally. I despite paying shipping but have a hard time resisting their stuff, especially around the holidays! **Not sure why it won't let you click on the link. So frustrating! But if you go to the website, you'll find them!

~TWO~

Also while shopping I made a quick trip into MAC for some under eye concealer and left with a new lip pencil and lipstick. I also tried on a color that I thought was REALLY festive, but somehow passed on it. I'm thinking it should be on the list for my next purchase. (*I'm trying to be better about wearing something on my lips. I think it looks better with my darker hair! ha!) And yes, it somehow makes me think of the holidays and maybe something I would wear to an upcoming holiday party!

~THREE~

I received this shirt in the mail last week and can't wait to show how I styled it in an upcoming post. I think it's perfect for the season!

~FOUR~

Also while shopping in Charlotte we stumbled upon our family ornament for this year. Every Christmas since my husband and I started dating, we've framed our picture in an ornament with the year printed on it. Since we've collected so many over the years, I decided to start hanging them all on their own tree. My hubs actually found this one and I was beyond excited b/c of the glitter! I couldn't find a link to the exact one, but here is a link to a similar one. And here are all of their ornaments - so many great choices!

~FIVE~

Last, but not least, I'll leave you with a festive cocktail. I am traveling to visit my bestie tomorrow to celebrate our Christmas and thought it'd fun to try a new cocktail while I'm there. I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

Spiced Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail

Click here for the recipe!

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend and safe travels if you're going anywhere like myself. See you back on Monday!

**And don't forget to check out the host bloggers for my link up!

TOM'S BOOTIES ARE 25% AT NORDSTROM'S!! NOW'S YOUR TIME TO BUY THEM!! Lots of great choices! Get them now before they sell out!

I'm so excited b/c I just scored these beauties!

Leopard Lover - Short and Sweet + Early Sales

Hey guys! Today's post is going to be short and sweet as I'm trying to prepare for the big day tomorrow. I host my Mom's side of the family (every other year) and we will have 24 adults and 12 children. It's crazy but fun all at the same time!

I wanted to write a post about my new coat that I just received in the mail. It's so soft and comfy! And go figure, now it's on sale!!! I ordered it for our trip to New York but also wore it in Charlotte last weekend. I love it so much and just had to share it with you!!

Leopard faux fur coat

Not sure why it's not linking my coat! Try this!

And if leopard faux fur isn't your thing (why not?? lol jk!) then be sure to check out their other cute coats. Forever 21 has such good deals on them! I almost bought this one, this is a great toggle coat, and this one in blush! So many great choices!

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And I'll leave you with some current Black Friday sales!


CWONDER: 40% off everything
JCREW: 30% off with code HOLIDAY plus free shipping
NORDSTROM: Up to 40% off select items, always free shipping
SHOPBOP: 15% off orders of $250, 20% off orders of $500 with code GOBIG14
PIPERLIME: 40% off sale with code EXTRACHIC


I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Be safe traveling and I'll be back on Friday with a link up.

Stocking Stuffers Wishlist Link Up + Express Sale!!

Today I'm linking up with some bloggers for a "These are a few of my Favorite Things" link up, Stocking Stuffer edition. But there's also info on a sale you DON'T want to miss, so be sure to scroll to the bottom!

I love a few of the items b/c of the sparkle, a few for my "new" desk area, and a few for our upcoming trip to New York. I realize some of these items may not fit in a traditional stocking, but the hubs and I always wrap all of our stocking stuffers and only really put the candy and smaller items in the stocking (even though we call each item a "stocking stuffer").

So here goes!

Stocking Stuffer Wish List

Kate Spade Tape Dispenser/Fur Mittens/Coaster Set/Neck Gaiter/lipstick/Glitter Earrings/Kate Spade Stapler/Gold Dot Glasses/Metallic Nail Polish



I definitely asked "Santa" for the Kate Spade tape dispenser, stapler, coasters, and glasses b/c I think all of those beautiful gold pieces would look good on my "new" desk! How cute would the polka dot tumblers look on the shiny gold coasters?? Makes me happy just thinking about it!

Obviously I want the glitter Kate Spade earrings! They were on sale awhile back and I purchased the solid gold glitter ones, but I'm holding out for the multicolored ones. The only reason I didn't purchase them with the sale was b/c I had already given the idea to my dad (he asked me for a few items on my wishlist).

I think the mittens would make a perfect accessory for my New York trip next month (although I guess if they are on my Christmas wish list, I wouldn't receive them in time for the trip! ha!)

I mentioned before that I need a neck gaiter for my cold morning runs. So I would love to see one in my stocking!

I received a gift set of Fresh Sugar lip products last Christmas and absolutely LOVED it. Right now I'm loving the "berry" color, and I actually lost it on Halloween night. :( I had it in my pocket and it must have fallen out during the trick-or-treating chaos. That being said, I absolutely hope to receive a new tube of the Berry color.

I LOVE nail polish and think that a new metallic color would be perfect for the holidays!

Last, but not least, I would love one of these adorable monogrammed scarves! You can't beat the price at $24! There are also other colors available!

What is on your "wish list" this Christmas? Anything fun you're hoping to find in your
 stocking? I can't believe Christmas is ONE MONTH AWAY!!



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And just so you know, Express is having a 50% off of everything sale from today through Friday. Plus Free Shipping on all orders!!! They have really great items and I'm thinking about purchasing a new Holiday dress from there. Thinking maybe this one, but it seems a bit short! 

But I definitely hope to scoop up some cold weather gear; like possibly this scarf,  this head wrap, or a cute pair of mittens!

Happy Shopping!! 

Weekend Recap + BOLD Attire

This past weekend we drove down to Charlotte to see the Hornets play. I'm not big into the NBA but the hubs is and he'd always wanted to watch a game court side. I surprised him with tickets for our anniversary/Christmas. We love road trips together!

We arrived in town with a few hours before game time, so we power shopped for Christmas. It's rare that we have time w/o the kiddos so we knew we should take advantage of it. 

Sweater, Scarf (it's a knock off but I can't remember where I purchased it - they do have some at Target though!), Vest, Jeans, Booties

After we finished shopping (ran out of time), we checked into the hotel and got ready for the game. Upon arrival we were taken to the back court bar area. We felt like VIP.

We had access to all you can eat (a buffet meal) and drink during the entire game. We were also able to take the food/drinks to our seats with us.

I had snap a pic of the hubs by our seats to show how close we were. There were only 2 rows in front of us and that was the closest I could get! He was very excited!

They also served milk and cookies after the game in the same back court area! YUM! 

It had been a long day so we really didn't do much after the game on Friday. But Saturday morning we slept in (which was amazing) and then went to IKEA before heading back home. We both love IKEA but admitted we should have skipped it. It's really hard to shop "quickly" at that store! And I saw so many cute PINK things!! So many things, so little time!

Sweater (old - Charlotte Russe), similar jeans, booties

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BOLD ATTIRE!

I decided to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my inner "boldness". ha! I purchased a pair of leather leggings that I based my entire outfit around. I also ended up purchasing a new, BOLD, lipstick while out shopping that day. I thought it all came together quite nicely! :)

Essie nail polish, "Wicked"

Cuff Bracelets (here is a similar and here is the link to my exact ones), David Yurman Ring

 Leggings, Piko (borrowed but similar here), Vest, David Yurman Necklace (old but similar here), Earrings, Booties (mine are from Target but that was before I splurged on the Tom's brand. I'll only buy Tom's booties in the future! Oh so comfy! Here's a similar black pair that are Tom's.), MAC lipstick

Do you ever step outside of your comfort zone with clothes and then feel happy about your decision?? Despite my hubs saying it looked like I stepped out of an 80's band (in reply to me asking what he thought of my leggings.. ha!), I loved my outfit and was happy with my choices!!

It's Friday, Y'all!

YAY for the weekend!! Today I'm linking up with Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha for my 5 on Friday.

My theme this week is all about getaways with my hubs! We love traveling together; whether it's a simple road trip close to home, or flying somewhere exotic. We love just being together; spending time, eating, sight-seeing, shopping, etc. And what inspired me today was that we're leaving for an overnight getaway to Charlotte to see the Hornets play tonite. 

If you remember from last week, one of my confessions was about sharing some news with my hubs. Well the secret was that I scored court side (well 2 rows back but close enough, right?) seats to a Charlotte Hornets game. He isn't necessarily a huge Hornets fan but has always wanted to see an NBA game court side. These tickets are club level with all you can eat/drink. So it should be a good time. I'm just excited about taking a road trip, eating good food, shopping, and staying overnight int he hotel! Wahoo!

But before we take off, here are some of the past trips we've taken together (both big and small) in no particular order of importance or occurrence.

~ONE~

Anniversary shopping trip to Tyson's Corner (we LOVE to shop).

~TWO~
BIG birthday trip to Aruba (we really LOVE the beach).

~THREE~
Another BIG birthday trip to Punta Cana.

~FOUR~
Anniversary trip to The Greenbrier (I was pregnant with my son here).

~FIVE~

Anniversary trip to Charleston.

So there ya have it! That's my 5 on Friday, now I need to run and finish packing! :) Hope you have a great weekend!

Thankful

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 I love making holiday treats with the kids! We usually make some for us and some to share with classmates/teachers. We plan to make our holiday sugar cookies next week, but I decided to go ahead and fix some shareable treats now (to give us time to pass them out).

First up we fixed a "Blessings Mix". I found a recipe here and modified it with what I had on hand. (I omitted the candy corn and chocolate kisses.)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks
• 2 cups small pretzels
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins
• 1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds
• 1 cup M&Ms-brand chocolate candy
• 16 Hershey's-brand chocolate kisses
• Blessings Mix gift tags

My son wasn't too interested in this project so my daughter did everything herself. It's a very kid friendly recipe and she loved measuring/pouring out all of the different ingredients. 

The great thing with the website I posted is that it gives you a link to printable tags with a great poem. 

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix Poem 

Bugles: Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels: Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country. Candy corn: Sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.
Nuts or seeds: Promise of a a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.
Dried fruits: Harvest gifts of our bountiful land.
M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.

Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives

 

I already had tags printed and ready to use, so I just decided to include the poem with the treat bags. My tags came from Every Day Cheer and are available for free download here and another cute one here.

We also fixed chocolate chip cookies to give to Cate's teachers, bus driver, church leaders, etc.

And of course she chose pink ribbon!

One more activity we've been doing since November 1st is our "thankful chain". Every year I try to focus on the things we are thankful for. One year I drew a tree and had my daughter write on leaves to put on the tree. This year I kept it simple with a chain link. She cut the links and she writes what she is thankful for, every day. Some days she even tries to get an answer from my 2 year old son.

 Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I love focusing on the things we are thankful for, helping/serving others, and just enjoying our time with friends/family.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 

Workout Wednesday

It's no secret that I love to run, but only outdoors. I despite the treadmill and only use it as a last resort. I typically try to run 3-4 times per week (2-3 miles each day). That being said, the weather is turning colder and I need some advice on cold weather gear. I currently own Under Armour cold gear tops and bottoms. I also have a pair of gloves and an ear warmer. You'd think I'd be set, right? Well except for the fact that it's crazy windy here and my face felt like it was literally going to freeze off the other day.

I was asking some friends at Supper Club for suggestions b/c all I could think of was a "face mask" ha! A friend suggested a "neck gaiter". She even sent a me a link to one, and it even comes in PINK! Yay!

And one more.. although I think the first one looks warmer!

I'm hoping to purchase one soon and try it out! I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

I also wanted to share a new app I found, "Rock My Run". It offers a great mix of songs to help get through the workout. I tend to listen to the same playlist over and over again. This app makes it new and refreshing each time.

 

 I also recently tried a dance class at a local studio. It was a 90 minute class that left me sweating, sore, but wanting more! Wow! It was so much fun but much more intense that I expected! I guess when you do anything for 90 minutes, it will seem like a lot! I do hope to return, but it's across town making it difficult to find the time.

And while this may seem contradictory, I have to share something I splurged on yesterday while out grocery shopping. I'm a HUGE chocolate and peanut butter lover. In fact, I've been known to pour some chocolate chips on a spoon full of peanut butter when I'm desperate (don't judge!). These just looked too good to pass up!  (And just for the record, I love sweets. Just b/c I workout doesn't mean I eat healthy. It's actually the opposite. I workout to help offset my eating! :)

I'd love to hear any of your tips for staying warm outside while running. Or any indoor workouts you absolutely love. I forgot to mention that I do mix in an occasional "Jillian 30 Day shred" video once a week.  (We aren't members of a gym b/c my hubs built a gym in our basement with free weights, a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, etc. So it just makes sense to stay home.)

Happy Wednesday!

Weekend Recap + PBK FREE SHIP!

This post is a quick recap from the weekend b/c I was having issues last night. My laptop decided not to work, our internet connection was slow, and things just weren't working out for me to blog.

**But before I start, I would love to reply to the sweet readers from last week who left comments, but they are "noreply-comment" bloggers. Please leave me your email address in the comments or change your status! I'd love to communicate with you. :)

***And don't forget to scroll to the bottom for info on the sale!!!

My daughter's birthday was on Friday. We surprised her with an American Girl Doll dressed in the same outfit I bought for her to wear to school that day. To say she was surprised and excited was an under statement!

I also attended Supper Club on Friday night but we forgot to take pics! We must start remembering to do this!!!

On Saturday my Dad, Brother, and Niece came down for the day/night to celebrate. I always love spending time with this sweet little girl!

Saturday afternoon we had a family party for the grandparents. And my kids had all of their great-grandparents at the party; 2 great-grandmothers and 1 great-grandfather. It was such a special party. (Sorry the pic is a little blurry, I set up the self timer and i must not have focused first!)

We snapped a few pics on Sunday morning before we headed to church. I wanted a pic of my brother and I with our kids. 

And of course me with my munchkins. (My hubs was working.)

On Sunday after church, my daughter's GA group had scavenger hunt that I helped with. We drove around to different houses collecting bags of food to put in our food pantry at church. I drove these 3 cuties around.

And then back to separate the food before placing it in the pantry.

It was a fun but very exhausting weekend!! Hoping to get some energy back today for the busy week ahead!


** Pottery Barn Kids is offering FREE SHIPPING today only with code : FREESHIP

I would love to purchase some Christmas flannel sheets for the kids.

And I have my eye on these cute plates!

And they've always had some adorable stockings!

There are so many things I love from PBK, so I need to stop blogging and start shopping! :) Don't forget, the FREESHIP promo code TODAY ONLY!